The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Rosemont Petite-Patrie, Montreal

The Montreal Botanical Gardens are the home of an extensive collection of greenhouses where visitors can spend a few hours or the entire day contemplating nature in all of its splendor. The gardens feature a camp for children, a documentation center where customers can find books on botany, and a specialized boutique. The entrance also includes admission to the fascinating insectarium. This is the perfect place to visit year-round, though it is extra special in October with the Chinese lantern festival, or in March during the butterfly display. The gardens are also the perfect place to get rid of those winter blues and get transported to the tropics!

Japanese Garden

Find peace and solace in the spacious Japanese Garden of Montreal that features a large collection of bonsai trees that are 20 to 100 years old. The garden uses light and traditional Japanese music in order to create a magical experience for those walking through its grounds. There are ponds, streams, sculptures and even a tea and dry garden. An exhibition showcases artwork from Hiroshima survivors and there is also another exhibit on the beauty of Japanese forests. Visitors will get to feel like they are in Japan and it is the perfect place to explore on a sunny summer’s day.

Japanese Garden, 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montréal, Canada, +1 514-872-1400

Japanese Gardens | © Kimon Berlin/Flickr

Montreal Insectarium

The Montreal Insectarium, which is free with an admission of entrance to the Botanic Gardens, is a place where children and adults can learn and observe all the types of insects that inhabit this Earth. The collection to be found here was donated by an antomologist and features both live and mounted exhibits. One of the most popular live exhibits revolves around a colony of leaf clutter ants. The Insectarium also displays spiders, butterflies, and has a video room where films are shown. The museum is also within a walking distance of the Olympic Park and makes for a perfect resting stop. This is what nature is all about!

Montreal Insectarium, 4581 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montréal, Canada, +1 514-872-1400

Montreal Insectarium | © Redjar/Flickr

Cinema Beaubien

Cinema Beaubien is a non-profit movie theater that features French, Canadian, independent and art-house films. Located in the heart of Rosemont Petite-Patrie, the cinema’s diversified programming also includes local documentaries and the recognized Montreal Children Film Festival. The Beaubien boasts a friendly staff in an unpretentious environment that is intimate and also affordable. Every now and then local directors and producers will come to the theater to do a Q&A session with the audience at the end of the film. A real treat for film lovers!

Cinema Beaubien, 2396 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, Canada, +1 514-721-6060

Parc Molson

Parc Molson is a hidden gem of natural beauty located in the middle of the urban landscape that is Montreal. The park has a lovely gazebo, a kids’ playground, and even a skating rink during the winter season. It is also an ideal spot to have a picnic with products from one of the bakeries that can be found nearby. Parc Molson is a social staple for the residents of Rosemont Petite-Patrie and there are multiple community events happening throughout the year here. Come and contemplate this slice of nature against the city’s urban backdrop!

Parc Molson, 2446 Rue Beaubien E, Montreal, Canada

La Carreta

End a day exploring Rosemont Petite-Patrie by having the perfect meal at this Salvadorian joint. La Carreta offers a delightful array of flavorful choices in an extremely colorful setting. The menu features traditional Salvadorian fare, such as the popular pupusas; corn patties stuffed with pork, cheese and fried black beans. They are served alongside a giant mason jar of spicy homemade slaw. They also offer burritos, tacos, plantains, churros and homemade horchata for dessert.

La Carreta, 350 Rue Saint Zotique E, Montréal, Canada, +1 514-273-8884

By Edgar Catasus